PR 37896
22 March 2016

Good bathroom design embraces aesthetics alongside health and safety

 Pictured is a level access Elements Wetroom with an optional grab bar for extra stability

By Ian Pattison, Managing Director of Abacus Manufacturing Group

With the focus on luxury and lifestylein today's home, it is easy to forget that the bathroom is a potential danger zone where the hazards range from slips and scalds to poisoning and electrocution, not to mention the risks from germs and mould. The very young and the over55'sare particularly vulnerable so the emphasis when undertaking any bathroom installation must be on attention to detail, carefully considered design and the specification of appropriate products and materials. 

Safety in the bathroom does not mean sacrificing comfort and style. Indeed, well thoughtthrough layouts and appropriate finishes and fittings, coupled with good lighting and ventilation,will enhance the end user's overall bathroom experience. In bathrooms that are to be used by the elderly or disabled,thought should be given to extra features such as the provision of grab rails to the bath, shower and WC.

Moisture is the biggest issue in the bathroom. Whether it is water on the floor potentially leading to slips,or condensation on the walls resulting in mould and mildew, moisture must be addressed at the earliest stages of design and specification. For example, floor tile samples should always be tested to ensure they do not become excessively slippery when wet, especially those that are to be used in or near shower areas.

Moulds due to moisture produce allergens and can lead to respiratory problems, allergies or asthma and may also affect the immune system. Mechanical ventilation systems reduce condensation in bathrooms but must be capable of providing adequate air changes. Frequently,these systems are now designed to run continuously at low speed with a boost function for when the bathroom is in use. At the same time,a constant background heat helps reduce condensation so a heated towel rail is vital, and preferably one that can work independently of the main heating system. Underfloor heating will help dry the floor making it less slippery.

Equally important is what happens behind the surface finishes because moisture penetration quickly results in rot and mould growth within the fabric of the building. Elements Wetrooms from AbacusManufacturing Groupis designed to avoid these problems. The products utilise expanded polystyrene (EPS) which has the advantage that it can be moulded not only to form boards, that may be used on the walls, floor and ceiling, but shower trays and seating. The components are bonded with waterproof adhesive and the joints sealed and taped. Meanwhile, the product's thermal properties help reduce condensation because they prevent thermal bridging from cold external surfaces.

Condensation associated with sanitaryware and water pipes should also be addressed. This is particularly prevalent in cold weather when the temperature of the water entering the bathroom is much colder than the internal environment. One way of countering this problem is to install a concealed, wall mounted toilet cistern like those in the Easi-Plan range from Abacus Manufacturing Group. Unlike traditional ceramic cisterns, which act as a thermal bridge between the cold water and the warm room, these are made of plastic which acts as an insulator. There is the further benefit of the insulation provided by the surrounding cabinet.

Another advantage of wall-hung sanitaryware is that the pipes leading to it come from the wall so are insulated rather than, as with traditional basins, running up a pedestal from the floor which means they are uninsulated and vulnerable to condensation. Additionally, wall-hung sanitaryware allows for easier cleaning underneath so the floor can be kept hygienic and germ free.

Sitting well alongside the crisp lines of wall hung basins and WCs, panel products such as Abacus'Lustrolite - an advanced multi-layer acrylic sheet that looks just like glass - have applications that include shower walls and basin splashbacks. These products minimise the need for joints so, unlike tiles with their regular grout lines, they provide an unbroken aesthetic. Consequently, they are easy to keep clean and, with their non-stick surface, are more hygienic and less prone to mould growth. Similarly, with shower screens, Easi-Clean glass coating technology, such as that offered by Abacus Manufacturing Group's Vessini range, minimises the build up of limescale and dirt. 

More disastrous than these problems is the issue of scalding and burns from hot water. Scalding can occur above the temperature of 45°C, and burns will result within 30 seconds at 55°C. To limit the dangers, showers and taps with thermostatic mixing valves such as those from the Vessini range should be fitted. These proportion the supply of hot and cold water so that the water temperature is within safe limits. Wherever possible,shower controls should be placed so they can be reached and the water regulated before stepping under the shower.

Good lighting in bathrooms is equally important and increasingly, to avoid the danger of accidents, sensors are installed so low-level illumination comes on when the bathroom is entered when it is dark. Water and electricitycreatea potentially deadly mix so electrical safety is paramount. Light fittings must comply with Part P of the Building Regulations and have an appropriate IP rating for their position within the bathroom. Suppliers such as Abacus now offer LED lighting kits that combine safety and excellent performance levels with great aesthetic appeal and energy efficiency. These products include recessed ceiling lighting, plinth lighting and, for under cabinet use, LED tape kits.

When installing bathroom cupboards, they should be sited to enable shelves to be easily reached and, where possible, to avoid users banging their heads on the underside. Recessed wall cupboards are one solution to this problem and have an aesthetic advantage. Wall cabinets are essential to keep medicines and potentially harmful cleaning products out of reach of children.

With all these concerns, what must be remembered is that understanding safety in the bathroom and introducing appropriate measures is simply part of good design; it should enhance an installation and ensure that the bathroom can be a safe haven for all while still being central to a luxurious lifestyle.

For further information on Abacus Manufacturing Group, please visitwww.abacusdirect.co.ukor call 0845 8 50 50 40.

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With compliments:
Alison Relf
Taylor Alden Ltd
Unit 2, Temple Place
247 The Broadway
London
SW19 1SD
Tel: 020 8543 3866
Email: alison@tayloralden.co.uk